At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow a tech product category using data-driven strategies.
- Company: Fast-growing IT solutions business in Central Birmingham.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, tech discounts, gym access, and career progression.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities towards leadership roles.
- Why this job: Blend traditional buying with modern digital strategies for real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
I'm seeking a Category Buyer for a fast-growing, digitally driven IT solutions business. You will own and develop a defined technology product category through a platform-led, data-driven approach. This role blends traditional category management with modern digital buying behaviours. You'll work closely with sales, marketing and product data teams, as well as vendors and distributors, to improve category performance, visibility and profitability.
Duties of the Category Buyer:
- Owning and growing a technology product category through digital channels
- Managing vendor and distributor relationships, including commercial negotiations
- Driving pricing, promotions and rebate activity to maximise margin
- Ensuring product content, pricing and availability are accurate and competitive
- Acting as the internal expert for your category, supporting sales and key customers
- Analysing buying trends and market data to identify growth opportunities
Skills of the Category Buyer:
- Experience in a category, buying or procurement role within IT or technology
- Strong understanding of the IT market and supplier landscape
- Proven negotiation and commercially focused decision-making skills
- Confident communicator with a data-led, proactive approach
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial terms
Benefits for the Category Buyer:
- Hybrid working and a modern city-centre office
- Structured progression to Strategic Account Director or Sales Leadership
- Tech discounts, electric car scheme and pension
- Life insurance, employee assistance programme, gym access and holiday trading scheme + more!
Category Buyer employer: Computerworld Personnel Ltd
Contact Detail:
Computerworld Personnel Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the IT and procurement sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and show off your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive category performance using your data-driven approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed vendor relationships or drove pricing strategies. Be ready to share these during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant IT or technology procurement roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, don’t forget to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve maximised margins and built strong vendor relationships!
Be Data-Driven: As a data-driven company, we appreciate candidates who can analyse buying trends and market data. Include any relevant experience that showcases your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Computerworld Personnel Ltd
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the technology product category you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Be ready to discuss your approach to vendor relationships and how you've maximised margins in previous roles. This will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitability.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since this role is heavily data-driven, come prepared with insights from your previous experiences. Discuss how you've used data to analyse buying trends and make informed decisions. This will illustrate your proactive approach and analytical mindset.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As a Category Buyer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various teams and stakeholders. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you refine your delivery and boost your confidence.